Toward making a high-quality silage from common reed (Phragmites australis)

Area of Science:

• Animal and Dairy Science
• Agricultural Chemistry
• Forage Science

Background:

• Common reed (Phragmites australis) is a widely available forage resource.
• Improving the nutritional quality and preservation of common reed silage is crucial for livestock feed.
• Additives like molasses and urea can influence silage fermentation and characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of molasses and urea on the chemical composition, silage quality, and fermentation of common reed.
• To evaluate the impact of different additive levels on microbial populations, buffering capacity, and digestibility.
• To determine the optimal additive strategy for improving the nutritive value of common reed silage.

Main Methods:

• Common reed was ensiled anaerobically with varying levels of molasses (5% and 10% DM) and urea (2%).
• Treatments included control, urea alone (U2), molasses alone (M5, M10), and combined treatments (U2+M5, U2+M10).
• Chemical composition, mineral content, microbial counts, gas production, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Urea significantly increased crude protein content but decreased mineral concentrations, notably iron.
• 10% molasses (M10) treatment significantly enhanced lactic acid, aerobic stability, and total bacterial populations.
• M10 also led to significant reductions in dry matter loss, yeast, and mold counts, improving overall silage quality.

Conclusions:

• Supplementation with 10% molasses (M10) is effective in improving the nutritive value and aerobic stability of common reed silage.
• Molasses addition positively impacts key fermentation parameters and reduces spoilage indicators.
• The study suggests that 10% molasses is a promising additive for enhancing the quality of common reed silage for animal feed.